AmeriSchoolshttp://amerischools.org
Charter Schools Making A DifferenceWed, 02 May 2018 16:04:37 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.6Best Extracurricular Activities by Gradehttp://amerischools.org/best-extracurricular-activities-grade/
http://amerischools.org/best-extracurricular-activities-grade/#respondTue, 24 Oct 2017 12:00:38 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1671AmeriSchools Academy offers several unique extracurricular programs that many traditional public schools do not, including chess club, yoga class, Zumba, and more. If you’re wondering which program to sign your student up for, we’re here to help. To guide you through the programs that AmeriSchools offers, we’re simplifying things by suggesting the best extracurricular activities for each grade level.

]]>AmeriSchools Academy offers several unique extracurricular programs that many traditional public schools do not, including chess club, yoga class, Zumba, and more. If you’re wondering which program to sign your student up for, we’re here to help. To guide you through the programs that AmeriSchools offers, we’re simplifying things by suggesting the best extracurricular activities for each grade level.

K – 2nd Grade

You’d be amazed at the amount of activities younger children are able to participate in nowadays. These programs include (but are not limited to) soccer club, yoga class and language club. AmeriSchools Tucson has a professional yoga instructor who patiently works with students on a weekly basis. Very young children are encouraged to try new things, and stick with the activities that they enjoy. We advise parents to sign little ones up for one or two activities to start, as to not overwhelm them when they’re adjusting to a regular school routine.

3rd – 5th Grade

As students begin to find what they’re good at, choosing extracurricular activities becomes a breeze for parents. Children who are into sports can get involved in competitive flag football, basketball, soccer, and cone ball. AmeriSchools Camelback even offers a bike club! Children who prefer to stay off the field can learn how to play chess in chess club, or join Yuma South’s technology club.

6th– 8th Grade

By now, middle schoolers have probably already found their favorite club. However, it’s never too late to join a new one. AmeriSchools’ Yuma South location offers yearbook club, cross-country, Zumba, knitting and more! Research shows that getting involved in extracurricular activities as a middle schooler increases a student’s success in attendance, academics, and increases their desire to pursue continuing education.

AmeriSchools Academy provides opportunities for students to thrive and let their creative side shine. With so many unique clubs offered at each campus, students can try something new almost every year. If you’d like to learn more about enrolling your child at one of AmeriSchools’ four campuses, visit their website here.

]]>http://amerischools.org/best-extracurricular-activities-grade/feed/0Quiz: How to Figure Out Your Child’s Learning Stylehttp://amerischools.org/quiz-figure-childs-learning-style/
http://amerischools.org/quiz-figure-childs-learning-style/#respondTue, 17 Oct 2017 12:00:05 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1662As a parent or educator, you may have noticed that not all children absorb information the same way. It’s widely accepted that children exhibit three different learning styles; kinesthetic, visual, and auditory.

]]>As a parent or educator, you may have noticed that not all children absorb information the same way. It’s widely accepted that children exhibit three different learning styles; kinesthetic, visual, and auditory.

Determining your child’s learning style can assist you in understanding how their mind retains new information, and can help you decide which extracurricular programs they’ll thrive in. Here at AmeriSchools, we’ve come up with a quick quiz to help you figure out your child’s primary learning style.

1). During my child’s free time, you can most likely find him/her:

a). Playing a sport

b). Practicing a musical instrument or singing

c). Reading a book

2). In the classroom, my child is:

a). Fidgeting with a pencil

b). Listening intently

c). Drawing pictures

3). When my child reads a book, he or she is:

a). Wiggling around in their seat

b). Reading out loud

c). Immersed in the story

4). While waiting in line at a theme park, my child passes time by:

a). Jumping up and down

b). Talking and asking a lot of questions

c). Playing imaginary games

5.) In school, my child’s favorite part of the day is:

a). Recess

b). Art class

c). Drama class

6). When my child is on their computer or iPad, he or she is usually:

a). Playing video games

b). Listening to music

c). Looking at photos

If you answered mostly a: Your child’s learning style may be hands-on. These kids tend to learn better by touching and doing things themselves. For example, when learning how to count, your child may retain the information better if he or she physically uses their fingers to touch during the counting process.

If you answered mostly b: Your child’s learning style may be auditory. These children can absorb information through verbal conversation quite well. They enjoy reading and talking out loud to remember what they’ve just taken in.

If you answered mostly c: Your child’s learning style may be visual. Kids that “learn by looking” do well when things are color coordinated, organized in lists, or in graphic form. Visual learners tend to like photographs and looking at screens rather than being hands-on. They also have great memories and tend to recall names well.

At AmeriSchools, we welcome and encourage all sorts of learning styles. Our teachers do an exceptional job at working with students to ensure they retain lessons effectively each day. If you would like to learn more about AmeriSchools, visit our website at http://amerischools.org/.

]]>http://amerischools.org/quiz-figure-childs-learning-style/feed/0How to Encourage Your Child to Like Schoolhttp://amerischools.org/encourage-child-like-school/
http://amerischools.org/encourage-child-like-school/#respondTue, 10 Oct 2017 12:00:05 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1657Think back to how you felt on your first day of school. Did you feel nervous? Excited? A little bit of both? It’s perfectly normal to be a little anxious about starting a new routine. However, if nervousness and distraught behavior continues, it may be time to look at actions you can take to help your child feel more comfortable going to school each day.

]]>Think back to how you felt on your first day of school. Did you feel nervous? Excited? A little bit of both? It’s perfectly normal to be a little anxious about starting a new routine. However, if nervousness and distraught behavior continues, it may be time to look at actions you can take to help your child feel more comfortable going to school each day.

Stick to the schedule

Uncertain schedules could be a source of anxiety for your child. If mornings start off hectic, it’s likely your child will continue to feel stressed and unmotivated throughout the day. Try to set an earlier alarm each morning if it’s hard to get everyone moving. Take the time to prepare a healthy breakfast, and stick to positive language when you are giving instructions. Aim to arrive at school a few minutes early so your kids can spend time with their friends before class begins. Once your child returns from school, prepare a time and place for them to complete their homework. If you are struggling with setting up a schedule, AmeriSchools Academy is proud to offer before and after school care service to their families, where your student will be able to work on homework, participate in structured activities, and use computers.

Get involved, but don’t overwhelm

After school activities can give your child something to look forward to after a long day in the classroom. Encourage your son or daughter to join a club or a sports team that they’re interested in. AmeriSchools Academy offers dozens of fun after school activities such as flag football, basketball, yoga and chess. Once your child is immersed in the activity, they are likely to make new friends. This can increase positive feelings about going to school. However, be careful not to overload your child’s schedule with afterschool activities every evening. This could be exhausting. Pay close attention to your child’s actions and mood to determine if you’ve found a good balance.

Set a good example

It’s important that you act as a positive role model for your children when it comes to education. Show your child that you’re never too “grown up” to stop learning. Learn a new skill or pick up a novel from the library to show your kids that learning is fun. It’s also a good idea to ask your child if they need any help with homework or studying for a test. Getting involved and walking your children through the process strengthens your bond and lets them know they can reach out to you for guidance.

School should be an enjoyable experience. We want our students to love coming here each and every day. AmeriSchools Academy offers unique after school programs, fun lesson plans, and teachers who aim to make your child feel comfortable in the classroom. Visit us online at AmeriSchools.org for more information and to find the location nearest you.

]]>http://amerischools.org/encourage-child-like-school/feed/05 Tips to Completing Homework on Timehttp://amerischools.org/5-tips-completing-homework-time/
http://amerischools.org/5-tips-completing-homework-time/#respondTue, 03 Oct 2017 12:00:24 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1647While every child is unique, some of the reasons why a student doesn’t finish their homework on time are universal. Fortunately, a well-prepared parent can help manage these obstacles. If you find your child consistently struggles with completing homework, take the first step towards improvement by trying some of the suggestions below.

]]>While every child is unique, some of the reasons why a student doesn’t finish their homework on time are universal. Fortunately, a well-prepared parent can help manage these obstacles. If you find your child consistently struggles with completing homework, take the first step towards improvement by trying some of the suggestions below.

1). Keep distractions to a minimum

Students are more likely to finish homework assignments in a timely fashion when there are minimal distractions. Have your child turn off electronic devices such as phones, TV and game systems before they sit down to begin their work. This helps cut down on constant breaks in concentration, and helps your child to stay focused longer.

2). Have materials handy

There’s nothing more frustrating than being on a productive streak and then suddenly having to come to a halt when you can’t find your scissors. To avoid these burdens, make sure your child’s work space is well-organized, and stocked full of school supplies. Hopefully your child’s teacher will provide you a list of tools your child will need throughout the school year. If not, it’s always a good idea to have a pair of scissors, glue sticks, pencils and sheets of lined paper handy.

3). Designate “homework time”

For most parents, homework time usually begins immediately after dinner. If you are consistent with this, your child can be expected to start their work right away. However, if a child decides to procrastinate, it may be time to set up stricter rules. Try setting an exact time each night where your child is obligated to sit at their desk and work without getting up. Sometimes working under a little pressure is a good thing. Set a timer for each assignment and have them try to finish before it goes off. It’s important to check in with your child before they begin their work for the night; ask your son or daughter if they understand the material before they dive in.

4). Don’t multitask

Did you know that you become less productive the more assignments you try to juggle at once? It’s important to teach your students to focus on one subject at a time. This is also a great way to teach your child how to prioritize effectively.

5). Set up a reward system

Don’t be fooled into thinking you shouldn’t reward your child for each good behavior. If your child responds well to the reward system, then that may be the trick to helping them get their homework completed on time. A reward doesn’t always have to be something big. It can be as little as offering your son or daughter an extra half hour of play time outside if they finish their work before a certain time.

At AmeriSchools, we want to help your child succeed inside and outside of the classroom. We strive to give each student the right amount of homework to ensure they completely understand the assignment, and can practice and master each lesson. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s ability to complete homework assignments on time, contact us today.

]]>http://amerischools.org/5-tips-completing-homework-time/feed/05 Ways to Know Your Student Needs a Tutorhttp://amerischools.org/5-ways-know-student-needs-tutor/
http://amerischools.org/5-ways-know-student-needs-tutor/#respondTue, 26 Sep 2017 12:00:15 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1642Sometimes, a little extra assistance is all it takes to help a student succeed in the classroom. Since every child has a unique way of learning, not all students excel in a group education environment. Thus, many parents are opting for one-on-one tutoring sessions to improve their child’s performance in a charter school.

]]>Sometimes, a little extra assistance is all it takes to help a student succeed in the classroom. Since every child has a unique way of learning, not all students excel in a group education environment. Thus, many parents are opting for one-on-one tutoring sessions to improve their child’s performance in a charter school.

Listed below are 5 factors that can help determine if your child would benefit from a tutor.

1). Grades are slipping

If your child’s grades fall or are below average, this is a warning sign that they need some additional help. Underperforming in class does not necessarily mean that your child is a poor student. It could mean your son or daughter is not fully understanding the lessons being taught. Ask your child’s teacher if they have noticed a difference in your child’s academic performance. Be proactive with the information you receive. Sometimes, progress made in one subject can lead to an overall improvement in grades. By working with a tutor to conquer the problem subject, your child could increase this or her ability to understand and work through problems on their own.

2). Procrastinates often

When your child resists doing their homework every night, or waits until 9 p.m. the night before a due date to start, this could be a sign that they don’t understand the assignment. A tutor will help explain assignments to your child and work through the problems in a private setting, so your child does not feel embarrassed when asking questions. Hiring a tutor can also help your son or daughter improve study habits, cultivate self-motivation and keep up with upcoming tests and homework assignments.

3). Negative outlook on school

Often times children who have a hard time in the classroom do not enjoy going to school. They tend to be in constant despair and fear they will never do well on tests no matter how hard they try. This can be discouraging for children; therefore, it can affect their motivation to learn.

4). Poor behavior

Acting out, disobeying the teacher or throwing a fit could stem from the frustration a child feels when he or she isn’t progressing as well as other students their age. Feelings of inadequacy can lower a child’s self-esteem and confidence. A tutor may be the solution to boosting your child’s mood and helping them become productively involved in the classroom.

5). Learning disabilities

Disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD and visual processing problems could hinder a child’s ability to learn properly. If your child has a learning disability, he or she may not learn well in a classroom environment. With special care from a tutor trained to work with students with learning disabilities, a child may overcome the obstacles that burden them on a regular basis.

At AmeriSchools, your child’s education is our top priority. We strive to give each student the special attention they need and deserve in every classroom. If you have any questions about your child’s performance in school, or think your child may need tutoring, contact us today.

]]>http://amerischools.org/5-ways-know-student-needs-tutor/feed/0A Look at Public and Charter School Leadershttp://amerischools.org/look-public-charter-school-leaders/
http://amerischools.org/look-public-charter-school-leaders/#respondWed, 20 Sep 2017 12:00:37 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1638If there is one thing that all parents can agree on, it’s that a great educational leader is instrumental to the growth and achievement of any learning establishment. Here at AmeriSchools, we believe that a strong leader who is educated, involved with school-related activities and is a good decision-maker has all the qualities needed to be an impactful figure in your child’s life.

]]>If there is one thing that all parents can agree on, it’s that a great educational leader is instrumental to the growth and achievement of any learning establishment. Here at AmeriSchools, we believe that a strong leader who is educated, involved with school-related activities and is a good decision-maker has all the qualities needed to be an impactful figure in your child’s life.

Six Degrees of Education: How well-educated are charter school leaders?

A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education found that principals of charter schools ranked slightly higher in terms of highest degree earned over traditional public school principals. Of the charter school principals, 9.5% earned Bachelor’s degrees or less, 63.5% earned Master’s degrees, and 10.2% have their Doctorate degrees or first professional degree. Of the traditional public schools principals, only 1.6% earned Bachelor’s degree or less, 61.1% earned Master’s degrees, and only 9.9% have their Doctorate degrees or first professional degree. Although the results are similar, charter school principals tend to have a higher degree of education.

Putting in the Time: Average hours per week that public school principals spent on school-related activities

When it comes to showing your child the attention they need, charter school principals understand the importance of putting in the work. On average, charter school principals say they spend about 59 hours a week on school-related activities. This includes internal administrative tasks, curriculum and teaching related tasks, student interactions and parent interactions. Traditional public school principals claim to spend about 58.6 hours a week on school related activities. Charter schools make it their priority to ensure that all students and faculty are taken care of under strong leadership.

Big Decisions: Percentage of school principals who thought they had a major influence on decision-making at their school.

One of the top reasons charter schools excel in education is the fact that leadership feels they have more of an influence on decision-making at their school. When principals aren’t adhered to one standard, they are able to make necessary adjustments according to the school’s needs. According to the study, 78.6% of charter school principals state they feel as though they have a major influence in setting performance standards for students, whereas only 69% of traditional public schools principals feel the same. When establishing curriculum, the study found that 57.5% of charter school principals over 38.3% of public school principals felt they had a greater influence.

At AmeriSchools Academy, we believe that principals and teachers make a positive difference in your child’s learning experience. We invite you to discover how your child can benefit from our successful leadership model when they enroll at one of our Arizona charter schools. Contact us today to get started.

]]>http://amerischools.org/look-public-charter-school-leaders/feed/0How Charter Schools Select Studentshttp://amerischools.org/charter-schools-select-students/
http://amerischools.org/charter-schools-select-students/#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 14:04:07 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1635With about 550 charter schools available across the state of Arizona, parents have more options when it comes to their child’s education. In fact, charter schools have recently seen a 10,000-student increase in admissions from the 2015-2016 school year to the 2016-2017 school year. As with traditional public schools, new students who wish to attend a charter school have a fair chance in seeking enrollment and admission.

]]>With about 550 charter schools available across the state of Arizona, parents have more options when it comes to their child’s education. In fact, charter schools have recently seen a 10,000-student increase in admissions from the 2015-2016 school year to the 2016-2017 school year. As with traditional public schools, new students who wish to attend a charter school have a fair chance in seeking enrollment and admission.

You Have the Right to Choose

In Arizona, parents have the right to choose whether they send their children to charter or traditional public schools. According to the Arizona Charter Schools Association, charter schools are open-enrollment, tuition-free, public schools that operate based on a contract with their authorizer. With more charter schools popping up across the state, there will be even more options for parents to choose from in the coming years.

Becoming a Charter School Student

Charter schools are open to all students that wish to attend, excluding expelled students and up to the school’s capacity. They may, or may not, have selective admissions criteria and practices. Students who have applied before the deadline and have officially been admitted to the school are guaranteed a spot to attend. After a student has accepted their offer to attend, proper documentation must be provided for enrollment. Documentation includes; proof of age and identification (i.e. birth certificate), proof of residency, and immunization records. If the applicant reaches capacity, Arizona laws require the school to use a lottery system.

Lotteries, Preferences, and Waitlists

If the number of applicants exceed the number of students a charter school can accept, the school is required to participate in an equitable selection process, such as a lottery. Charter schools typically have admission preferences; for example, returning students, siblings of enrolled students, foster children, and children of employees or board members. These students are exempt from the lottery process and are automatically admitted to the school if space allows.

Charter schools may also choose to have a waiting list for potential students. If a school opts to keep a waiting list, it must be fair and non-discriminatory. If you have any questions about our admissions policies at AmeriSchools Academy, we’d be happy to speak with you today.

]]>http://amerischools.org/charter-schools-select-students/feed/0How AZ Charter Schools Outperform Traditional Schoolshttp://amerischools.org/az-charter-schools-outperform-traditional-schools/
http://amerischools.org/az-charter-schools-outperform-traditional-schools/#respondTue, 05 Sep 2017 14:01:05 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1631The debate over whether to send your children to a charter school or a traditional public school has been a topic of discussion for parents and guardians over the past several years. Parents may question the educational benefits that charter schools offer to students, and wonder whether they outperform traditional schools. Luckily, Arizona has been a prime example for charter school growth and continues to be a leader in education since the state started allowing charter schools in 1995.

]]>The debate over whether to send your children to a charter school or a traditional public school has been a topic of discussion for parents and guardians over the past several years. Parents may question the educational benefits that charter schools offer to students, and wonder whether they outperform traditional schools. Luckily, Arizona has been a prime example for charter school growth and continues to be a leader in education since the state started allowing charter schools in 1995.

Charter Schools Continue to Rise Above

To help you make the best decision for you and your family, we’ve broken down some of the most important statistics and findings from the Arizona Charter School Association below.

According to AzMERIT scores released in 2016, charter students scored better than the state average in the English/Language Arts and Math assessment in every grade level and subject area (except Algebra I, where charter students tied the state average).

Arizona’s charter students outperformed nearly every other state on the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Public charter students outperformed the state average of students passing the English/Language test by 9%, on average.

Public charter students outperformed the state average of students passing the Mathematics test by 6%, on average.

49 of the top 50 schools for number of passing scores on AzMERIT Math exams are charter schools.

Arizona charter schools are outperforming traditional public schools, despite receiving an average of $1,180 less than public schools.

Success is within reach

Charter schools are successful because they are not forced to follow many of the same rules that hamper administrators and teachers at traditional public schools. Reports suggest that charters are allowed to identify regulations that are holding back progress and request exemptions from them. At AmeriSchools, we believe our students and faculty benefit from these added freedoms.

For more information on how your child can benefit from our advantages, contact AmeriSchools Academy today. You can also schedule a personal tour at any of our four charter campuses across Arizona!

]]>http://amerischools.org/az-charter-schools-outperform-traditional-schools/feed/0What Makes Charter Schools Stand Outhttp://amerischools.org/makes-charter-schools-stand/
http://amerischools.org/makes-charter-schools-stand/#respondWed, 30 Aug 2017 12:24:11 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1588Education is not a one-size-fits-all process, but state standards that hold teachers to rigorous rules and obligations can make it seem like it is. When students don't fit into the mold of traditional public education, charter schools can help. Charter schools stand out from the crowd in a number of ways. Here are some of them.

]]>Education is not a one-size-fits-all process, but state standards that hold teachers to rigorous rules and obligations can make it seem like it is. When students don’t fit into the mold of traditional public education, charter schools can help. Charter schools stand out from the crowd in a number of ways. Here are some of them.

An Alternative to Standards-Driven Public Education

Charter schools provide a workable alternative to standards-driven public education. Whether students need a different approach to education to match their learning style or are looking for an education that focuses on a particular field heavily, like science or art, charter schools have the freedom to approach education in a way that lines up with their mission statement, rather than focusing entirely on state standards.

Dedicated Teaching Staff

Charter schools in Arizona aren’t required to hire state licensed teachers. This gives them the freedom to find teachers who are dedicated to their craft, are experts in a particular field or who have come from other states but have not yet filed for Arizona teacher certification. Often this means the teaching staff is able to focus entirely on teaching, rather than focusing on keeping their licenses up-to-date.

Greater Independence and Flexibility

Charter schools have greater independence and freedom when it comes to hiring teachers and choosing curriculum. They can skip much of the red tape and testing required in traditional schools, so they can focus on their students at a higher level. Much of the resources that would typically go to staying in compliance with state regulations can be funneled into student learning experiences instead.

Diverse Student Body

Charter schools tend to draw students from a larger geographic range, because of the appeal of the charter school model. This means the student body can be quite diverse, giving children the chance to experience education that promotes diversity. Many public schools, on the other hand, pull students from their surrounding neighborhoods, and if the neighborhoods are not diverse, the student body won’t be either.

Are you ready to experience these benefits for your own children? AmeriSchools Academy offers a safe and diverse learning environment for families in Tucson, Phoenix and Yuma. Schedule a tour of one of our locations today, and see what truly makes charter schools stand out.

]]>http://amerischools.org/makes-charter-schools-stand/feed/0Why School Choice Is Importanthttp://amerischools.org/school-choice-important/
http://amerischools.org/school-choice-important/#respondFri, 25 Aug 2017 12:16:55 +0000http://amerischools.org/?p=1581School choice is becoming a buzz word around the country, as it has reached the national level while more and more states are creating school choice programs. Why is school choice so important? What does it provide to Arizona families? Here are some reasons why school choice needs to be an option for today's families.

]]>School choice is becoming a buzz word around the country, as it has reached the national level while more and more states are creating school choice programs. Why is school choice so important? What does it provide to Arizona families? Here are some reasons why school choice needs to be an option for today’s families.

Many Public Schools Are Failing

According to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, 10% of U.S. Public Schools are failing. While that may seem like a small number, that percent translates to over 8,600 schools, and those are only the schools that are “failing.” Many more are poor or are not reaching their students well. School choice gives parents the option to pull their children out of these schools and place them in schools where they can thrive.

Parents Want It

One survey performed by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools found that 80% of parents surveyed wanted school choice, regardless of geographic location. School choice gives parents control over their children’s education, and this will increase educational outcomes because choices will be driven by the people who know students best.

School Choice Makes Students Successful

When school choice is allowed, children from low-income backgrounds are able to attend better performing schools, including charter schools, which encourage better educational outcomes. In 2015 the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University performed a study that found urban charter schools provided more math and reading instruction than district schools, and students made gains as a result, even in disadvantaged communities. When parents have choices about where their students attend school, even those students who are at high risk for failure can find success.

School Choice Improves Accountability

Schools that are failing are held accountable to a higher level when school choice is implemented. Parents are given the power to pull their children out of failing schools, opting for charter or private options instead. This forces the failing schools to find solutions to improve student outcomes in order to draw back their student body.

School choice matters. It’s critical to student success and will help parents get power back over their children’s education. At AmeriSchools Academy, we will continue to fight for school choice for our Arizona families, so you can continue to choose quality charter education for your children.